Systems and methods for providing planned spectrum allocation for shared spectrum

ABSTRACT

Techniques are provided for more efficiently determining frequency spectrum to allocate to General Authorized Access (GAA) citizens broadband radio service device(s) (CBSD(s)). Efficiency is enhanced by forming interference groups. Each of interference group may be analyzed in parallel and substantially contemporaneously, e.g., using parallel processing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser.No. 63/178,337 filed Apr. 22, 2021, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.63/178,368 filed Apr. 22, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.63/178,392 filed Apr. 22, 2021; the entire contents of each of theaforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by referenceas if set forth in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

A citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) includes incumbent users ofshared spectrum and secondary users of shared spectrum. An incumbentuser may also be referred to as a primary user or an incumbent.Incumbent users have priority access to transmit in the spectrum sharedwith the secondary users. If a secondary user seeks permission totransmit on spectrum shared by incumbent user(s) and/or other secondaryuser(s), it will only be permitted to do so to the extent itstransmissions do not raise aggregate interference at the incumbentuser(s) and/or other secondary user(s) above corresponding interferencethreshold levels for each of such incumbent user(s) and secondaryuser(s).

Such secondary users use citizens broadband radio service device(s)(CBSD(s)). A CBSD is a radio including a transmitter coupled to anantenna. A CBRS system includes a spectrum access system (SAS) whichregulates the transmissions of CBSD(s) in shared spectrum under theSAS's control, e.g., whether each CBSD of a SAS can transmit in theshared spectrum, and if so, then at what power level, to ensure thataggregate interference at incumbent users and other CBSDs is withinappropriate limits. The SAS also may include a function to coordinatethe shared spectrum usage among secondary users that are GeneralAuthorized Access (GAA) CBSDs to diminish interference between GAA CBSDsand to regulate interference from GAA CBSD(s) at certain location(s),e.g., geographic location(s) of incumbent user(s), of protectionarea(s), and of exclusion zone(s).

A requesting secondary user is a user requesting to transmit in sharedspectrum controlled by a SAS and shared with incumbent user(s) and/orother secondary user(s) whose transmission(s) are controlled by the SAS.The SAS authorizes the requesting secondary user to transmit in thespectrum shared with incumbent user(s) and/or the other secondaryuser(s) controlled by the SAS.

Typically, a SAS evaluates the requests from requesting secondary usersat planned times, e.g., once a day at a certain time, when it determineswhether secondary user(s) who have requested to transmit in the sharedspectrum can do so and at what maximum transmit power level. Because theSAS makes such determinations based upon interference at and due toCBSDs controlled by either the SAS and/or other SAS(s), a significantamount of computation is required. As a result, an amount of resourcesand cost to perform planned spectrum coordination, or analysis, may beundesirably large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method is provided for efficiently enhancing a function of an indiciumof an aggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit powerspectral density allocated to each of at least one general authorizedaccess (GAA) radio. The method comprises: receiving co-existence dataabout at least the one GAA radio; determining at least one interferencegroup, wherein an interference group means (a) each nodeset comprisingat least one node where each of the at least one node comprises at leastone GAA radio geographically located in a joint area, or (b) a nodesetcomprising at least one node, where each node of the nodeset comprisesat least one GAA radio, and where none of GAA radios of a node of thenodeset are geographically located in a joint area, wherein a joint areameans a union of neighborhoods of one or more protection points, whereinat least one GAA radio, of at least one node of the nodeset, isgeographically located in at least one neighborhood of the union ofneighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least two nodes, whereeach node of nodeset is within a first distance of at least one othernode of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequency spectrumand a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identifying zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generating at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocating a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and sending the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.

A non-transitory computer readable medium, storing a program causing atleast one processor to execute a process, is provided. The processcomprises: the method comprising: receiving co-existence data about atleast the one GAA radio; determining at least one interference group,wherein an interference group means (a) each nodeset comprising at leastone node where each of the at least one node comprises at least one GAAradio geographically located in a joint area, or (b) a nodesetcomprising at least one node, where each node of the nodeset comprisesat least one GAA radio, and where none of GAA radios of a node of thenodeset are geographically located in a joint area, wherein a joint areameans a union of neighborhoods of one or more protection points, whereinat least one GAA radio, of at least one node of the nodeset, isgeographically located in at least one neighborhood of the union ofneighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least two nodes, whereeach node of nodeset is within a first distance of at least one othernode of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequency spectrumand a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identifying zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generating at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocating a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and sending the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.

A system, comprising processing circuitry configured to receiveco-existence data about at least the one GAA radio; determine at leastone interference group, wherein an interference group means (a) eachnodeset comprising at least one node where each of the at least one nodecomprises at least one GAA radio geographically located in a joint area,or (b) a nodeset comprising at least one node, where each node of thenodeset comprises at least one GAA radio, and where none of GAA radiosof a node of the nodeset are geographically located in a joint area,wherein a joint area means a union of neighborhoods of one or moreprotection points, wherein at least one GAA radio, of at least one nodeof the nodeset, is geographically located in at least one neighborhoodof the union of neighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least twonodes, where each node of nodeset is within a first distance of at leastone other node of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequencyspectrum and a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identify zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generate at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocate a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and send the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.

DRAWINGS

Comprehension of embodiments of the invention is facilitated by readingthe following detailed description in conjunction with the annexeddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a sharedspectrum system configured to perform spectrum allocation at a plannedtime using a modified spectrum coordination system;

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of data flow between acitizens broadband radio service device and a spectrum access systemcomprising a modified spectrum coordination system;

FIG. 2A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining, with enhanced computational efficiency, frequency spectrumand maximum transmit power to allocate, to a general authorized accesscitizens broadband radio service device during planned spectrumallocation;

FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of exemplary interference groups;

FIG. 2C illustrates a flow diagram of a method of seeking to diminish anumber of protection point(s) utilized in planned spectrum coordination;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power foreach identified protection point;

FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofperforming planned spectrum coordination with enhanced computationalefficiency;

FIG. 4B illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining protection point(s) having an indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power above a second indicium threshold level;

FIG. 4C illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining, for each identified protection point, general authorizedaccess citizens broadband radio service device(s), having an indicium ofreduction of aggregate reduction of transmission power greater than atransmission power reduction threshold level;

FIG. 4D illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining or obtaining for at least one identified protection point,for the determined general authorized access citizens broadband radioservice device(s), a diminished number of sets of frequency spectrum(s);

FIG. 4E illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofdetermining an obtained set of frequency spectrum(s) that enhances afunction of an indicium of an aggregate of a product of bandwidth andmaximum transmit power;

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of one embodiments of a set of states of ageneral authorized access citizens broadband radio service device;

FIG. 6A illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of segments of frequencyspectrum in which general authorized access citizens broadband radioservice device(s) may be authorized to transmit;

FIG. 6B illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofobtaining at least one set of frequency spectrum(s) for at least onedetermined connected set—if available;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 770 ofdetermining a set of frequency spectrums for an nth segment—if possible,e.g., block 660C. The illustrated technique seeks to diminish the numberof set(s) of frequency spectrum(s). By doing so, computationalrequirements are diminished when determining an indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method forreducing a number of sets of possible orthogonal frequency spectrum(s);and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method ofselecting one set of frequency spectrum(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although embodiments of the invention are applicable to and may beexemplified in the context of CBRS for pedagogical purposes, theembodiments are applicable to other shared spectrum systems, such as forexample licensed spectrum access systems or authorized access systems.Thus, for example, a CBSD may be more generally referred to as a radio.Shared spectrum (or shared frequency spectrum) means frequency spectrumutilized by: (a) incumbent user(s) (e.g., a receiver of a fixedsatellite service (F SS)) and/or geographic region(s) to be maintainedinterference free (e.g., a grandfather wireless protection zone (GWPZ)or priority access license (PAL) protection area (PPA), a geographiclocation of an environmental sensing capability (ESC) system receiver(s)and/or an exclusion zone) and (b) at least one of priority accesslicensee (PAL) CBSD(s) and GAA CBSD(s). The CBSD may be a GAA or apriority access license (PAL) CBSD. Optionally, threshold levelsmentioned herein may be set by a system designer and/or a system user.

A protection point means a point representing actual and/or potentialincumbent user(s) and/or geographic regions which are to remain free ofinterference (as that term is defined herein) from CBSDs. Network graphmeans at least one connected set where there are no pairs of nodes thatare connected with edge and have the same color. Optionally, a networkgraph means the network graph defined above, and further where at leastone CBSD (comprising at least one node of each connected set) isgeographically located within a neighborhood of a protection point.

Embodiments of an invention provide techniques for diminishingcomputational resources, and thus increase computational efficiency,when performing planned spectrum coordination. Planned spectrumcoordination (or planned spectrum allocation) means, at a planned time,allocating a frequency spectrum and a maximum transmit power, in sharedspectrum, to each of at least one GAA CBSD so that GAA CBSD(s), andincumbent user(s) (e.g., represented by protection points) if any, arefree of interference (as that term is defined herein) from each of theat least one GAA CBSD. Optionally, planned spectrum coordination isperformed by a SAS, e.g., a processing system of a SAS. Planned spectrumcoordination determines a set of frequency spectrum(s) (to be allocatedto nodes (each of which comprises GAA CBSD(s)) of a network graph) thatenhances, e.g., maximizes, an indicium of an aggregate of a product ofbandwidth and maximum transmit power spectral density allocated to eachCBSD authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum. Optionally, two ormore frequency spectrums of a set of frequency spectrum (to be allocatedto nodes (each of which comprises GAA CBSD(s)) of a network graph) areorthogonal; thus, further optionally, each color allocated to a node ofa connected set may be assigned a frequency spectrum that is orthogonalto frequency spectrum(s) assigned to other color(s) allocated to othernode(s) of the connected set. The product of the bandwidth and themaximum transmit power (of each GAA CBSD authorized to transmit in theshared spectrum) may also be referred to herein as power bandwidthproduct or bandwidth-maximum transmit power product, and is determinedby multiplying a bandwidth of a frequency spectrum allocated to a colorassigned to a node comprising the GAA CBSD. The indicium may be of anaverage, median, or mode. If time sharing of computational resources isutilized, e.g., cloud computing, then the cost of such time sharing maybe reduced.

Computational efficiency is diminished at least by utilizing at leastone of three different techniques, which can be performed separately orin different combinations. Combination(s) of frequency spectrum(s) maybe referred to herein also set(s) of frequency spectrum(s); thus, thoseterms may be used interchangeably. The technique(s) can diminish anumber of sets of frequency spectrum(s) allocatable to colors assignednodes of connected set(s) comprising at least one network graph, andwhich must be analyzed to determine the set of frequency spectrum(s)that results in the enhanced indicium of an aggregate of a product ofbandwidth and maximum transmit power allocated to each GAA CBSDtransmitting in shared spectrum. As a result, fewer sets of frequencyspectrum(s) must be analyzed to determine the indicium of an aggregateof a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power allocated to eachGAA CBSD transmitting in shared spectrum.

In an optional first technique, during the planned spectrumcoordination, determination of the indicium of an aggregate of a productof bandwidth and maximum transmit power allocated to each GAA CBSDtransmitting in shared spectrum, can be made more efficient by reducinga number of protection point(s) analyzed. The number of protectionpoint(s) analyzed are those protection point(s) determined to have anindicium of aggregate reduction of transmit power that is higher than afirst indicium threshold level. By diminishing a number of protectionpoint(s) analyzed, a total number of combinations of frequencyspectrum(s) which must be analyzed to determine a diminished level ofaggregate interference at each protection point of the diminished set ofprotection points. Each combination of frequency spectrum(s) representsfrequency spectrum(s) assigned to a unique color assigned to node(s) ofa connected set. By diminishing the number combination(s) analyzed,computational efficiency is enhanced. The protection point(s), having anindicium of aggregate reduction of transmit power that is higher thanthe first indicium threshold level, during planned spectrum coordinationhave a larger likelihood of diminishing transmission power of GAACBSD(s) in their neighborhood(s) when each GAA CBSD is co-channel with afrequency spectrum associated with a corresponding protection point.Thus, the other protection point(s) which are not analyzed duringplanned spectrum coordination would have a lower likelihood ofdiminishing such transmission power of GAA CBSD(s) in theirneighborhood(s) when each GAA CBSD is co-channel with a frequencyspectrum associated with a corresponding protection point, and thus arenot to be considered. This technique may be used for any type ofimplementation of planned spectrum coordination, including a heuristictechnique that does not utilize a second technique to enhancecomputational efficiency (which is subsequently described). Theheuristic technique evaluates all possible set(s) of frequencyspectrum(s) for all connected set(s) comprising a network graph.

In an optional second technique, the indicium of an aggregate of aproduct of bandwidth and maximum transmit power allocated to each GAACBSD transmitting in shared spectrum, determined during the plannedspectrum coordination, at each protection point can be made morecomputationally efficient by reducing a number of sets of frequencyspectrum(s) by reducing a number of colors (assigned to nodes ofconnected set(s) of the network graph(s)) to which assignable frequencyspectrum changes amongst the set(s).¹ The reduced number of color(s) maybe identified by determining the color(s) of node(s) comprising at leastone GAA CBSD having an indicium of transmit adjustment power that isgreater than a corresponding transmit adjustment power threshold level.The reduced number of color(s) results in fewer set(s) or combination(s)of frequency spectrum(s) which must be analyzed. By diminishing thenumber combination(s) analyzed, computational efficiency is enhanced. ¹The number of sets of frequency spectrum(s) is reduced as follows. Eachset comprises at least one variable; each variable is a unique color. Acolor may be able to be assigned one or more frequency spectrums. Thistechnique reduces a number of colors that may be assigned more than onefrequency spectrum; thus, one or more colors can each be assigned onlyone frequency spectrum. A resulting number of combinations of frequencyspectrums (or sets of frequency spectrum(s)) is reduced. Only thereduced number of combinations (or sets of frequency spectrum(s)) needbe analyzed to determine the indicium of an aggregate, of a product ofbandwidth and maximum transmit power allocated to each GAA CBSDtransmitting in shared spectrum, is reduced. Thus, computationalefficiency is enhanced.

In an optional third technique, connected sets comprising nodes of GAACBSDs are separated to form interference groups. A connected set means aunique set of at least two nodes, where at least two of the nodes havean edge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where eachnode of the at least two nodes having an edge between the at least twonodes are assigned different colors, and where the number of colorsassigned to nodes of the connected set is a minimum number of colorswhich can be assigned to each node of the connected set. Each of theinterference group(s) may optionally be subsequently analyzed inparallel and substantially contemporaneously, e.g., using parallelprocessing; thus, computational efficiency is enhanced. By separatingthe connected sets into interference groups, a smaller number of sets offrequency spectrum(s) (allocatable to colors assigned nodes of theconnected set(s) of an interference group) may be determined (e.g., byprocessing each interference group in parallel), thus, diminishing thecomputation time to determine the set of frequency spectrum(s) thatresults in the enhanced indicium of an aggregate of a product ofbandwidth and maximum transmit power allocated to each GAA CBSDtransmitting in shared spectrum. A set of nodes (SN) means at least twoGAA CBSDs, where each GAA CBSD is geographically separated from at leastone other GAA CBSD of the set by a geographic distance less than a firstdistance threshold level.

A set of nodes (or nodeset) means at least two nodes, where each node ofthe set of nodes is within a first distance of at least one other nodeof the set of nodes. A joint area means a union of neighborhoods of oneor more protection points, wherein at least one GAA CBSD (of at leastone node of the nodeset) is geographically located in at least oneneighborhood of the union of neighborhoods. An interference group means(a) each nodeset comprising at least one node where each of the at leastone node comprises at least one GAA CBSD geographically located in ajoint area, or (b) a nodeset comprising at least one node, where eachnode of the nodeset comprises at least one GAA CBSD, and where none ofGAA CBSDs of a node of the nodeset are geographically located in a jointarea. Optionally, an interference group means (a) each nodesetcomprising at least one node where each of the at least one nodecomprises at least one GAA CBSD geographically located in a joint area,or (b) at least one nodeset, where each nodeset comprises at least onenode, where each node of the nodeset comprises at least one GAA CBSD,where none of GAA CBSDs of a node of the nodeset are geographicallylocated in a joint area, and where at least one GAA CBSD of one node ofa first nodeset is within a second distance of at least one GAA CBSD ofanother node of a second nodeset. Optionally, the first distance may bethirty kilometers; the second distance is a distance greater than thefirst distance, e.g., optionally forty kilometers. FIG. 2B illustrates adiagram of exemplary interference groups which are further describedherein. Each GAA CBSD of the at least one set of nodes of has itstransmissions controlled by a SAS or another (or a different) SAS.

Co-channel means frequency spectrum equal to or a subset of anotherfrequency spectrum. Frequency spectrum, or each portion thereof,associated with a protection point means frequency spectrum that must befree of interference (as that term is elsewhere defined herein) at thegeographic location of the protection point; optionally, such frequencyspectrum corresponds to frequency spectrum utilized by a receiver of anincumbent user or a PAL CBSD.

Co-existence data includes information about (a) incumbent user(s), (b)geographic region(s) to be maintained interference free, (c) PALCBSD(s), and/or (d) GAA CBSD(s), including each's correspondinggeographic location, frequency spectrum, interference threshold level,and/or interference margin (e.g., for an incumbent user configured toreceive in the shared spectrum); the co-existence data further includesdata about each CBSD, e.g., GAA CBSD, (including geographic location,data indicative of maximum capable transmit power, CBSD (e.g., GAACBSD), group information², and/or any parameters of the CBSD's (e.g.,GAA CBSD's), used to perform propagation modelling such as for exampleantenna radiation pattern and/or antenna height). Optionally,co-existence data only includes data about protection point(s) whichhave neighborhood(s) that encompass the geographic location of a CBSD.Frequency spectrum means a bandwidth centered about a center frequency.Node means at least one GAA CBSD, where if the node comprises two ormore GAA CBSD(s), then each GAA CBSD utilizes the same frequencyspectrum and is free of interference (as defined elsewhere herein) fromeach of the other GAA CBSD(s) comprising the node. ² GAA CBSD groupmeans (a) a group of GAA CBSDs whose interference is managed by anetwork operator so that no edge need be created between two nodescomprising such GAA CBSDs and/or (b) for a fixed wireless access GAACBSDs, a base station GAA CBSD and consumer premises equipmentconfigured to communicate with the base station GAA CBSD.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, power as used herein means power orpower spectral density. Power levels for a shared spectrum system, suchas a CBRS, are often characterized in terms of power spectral densitylevels. Optionally, power or power spectral density may be a levelradiated by antenna(s) electrically coupled to a transmitter of a CBSDand characterized in terms of effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP).

A CBRS system comprises general authorized access (GAA) and/or priorityaccess license (PAL) CBSDs, and incumbent users and geographic region(s)to be maintained free of interference. The incumbent users, such asgovernment users fixed satellite service receiver(s), have priorityaccess, with respect to secondary users such as CBSDs, to some or all ofspectrum in the shared spectrum. When satisfying interferencerequirements, a SAS is configured to grant the CBSDs access to theshared spectrum, including authorizing frequency spectrum (or channels)requested by CBSDs, and authorizing a corresponding requested maximumtransmission power or assigning a lower maximum transmission power. TheSAS is configured to control the transmission of GAA CBSDs so that PALCBSDs and the incumbent users are free of interference from GAA CBSDs.The GAA and PAL CBSDs are secondary users; the PAL CBSDs are secondaryusers because they have a lower priority than incumbent users. Forexample, PAL and GAA CBSDs have to also protect Environmental SensingCapability (ESC) sensors which are used to detect radar transmissions,e.g., from naval ships, in the CBRS band. The SAS is also configured tocontrol the transmission of PAL and GAA CBSDs so that incumbent usersare free of interference from PAL and GAA CBSDs.

Free of interference as used herein does not mean an absence ofinterference, but rather means an acceptable level of interference(i.e., a level of interference below a threshold level of interference)which may be no interference or a finite level of interference; thus, todetermine if a geographic location, e.g., of an incumbent user or ageographic region to be maintained interference free, is free ofinterference, whether the interference level is below the acceptablelevel of interference (or a threshold interference) is determined. Theacceptable level of interference may vary by the type of incumbent useror geographic region, frequency spectrum, and/or other indicia.

GAA CBSDs may be of two types: category A (low transmission power) andcategory B (high transmission power). Category A has a maximumtransmission power spectral density of 30 dBm/10 MHz. Category B has amaximum transmission power spectral density of 47 dBm/10 MHz.

Incumbent users of shared spectrum have first, or highest, priority toutilize the shared spectrum controlled by the SAS. Thus, incumbent users(e.g., the receivers of incumbent users' communications systems such asradios) shall be able to operate free of interference from other users,e.g., communications systems of priority access licensees and generalauthorized access users. Communications systems, as used herein, shallinclude Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) receivers and satelliteground stations.

In one embodiment, PAL CBSDs have second (or intermediate) priority,after incumbent users (excluding PAL users), to utilize the frequencyspectrum controlled by the SAS. In another embodiment, a PAL user shallbe able to operate, when incumbent users (excluding PAL CBSDs) are freeof interference of such a PAL user, and free of interference from otherPAL CBSDs and general authorized access users. In one embodiment, anability of a PAL CBSD to operate free of interference shall be limitedtemporally, geographically, and spectrally within the specifications ofits license.

GAA CBSDs have third, or lowest, priority to utilize the frequencyspectrum controlled by the SAS. In one embodiment, an operation of GAACBSDs will be governed by laws, regulations, and/or rules (e.g.,pertaining to CBRS). Such laws, regulations, and/or rules may beestablished by government(s) and/or standards bodies (e.g., WirelessInnovation Forum or WInnForum). Optionally, a GAA CBSD shall be able totransmit when incumbent user(s) and geographic region(s) to bemaintained interference free are free of interference when the GAA CBSDtransmits.

The invention can be subsequently described in more general terms, e.g.,using the term radio rather than CBSD, and shared spectrum system ratherthan CBRS. However, the terms CBRS and CBSD may be subsequently usedwhen illustrating such a system and a device, or their specifications.Thus, a CBSD may be more generally referred to as a radio. Radio means aradio whose transmission is controlled or regulated by a spectrum accesssystem.

FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a sharedspectrum system 100 configured to perform spectrum allocation at aplanned time using a modified spectrum coordination system. The plannedtime is when planned spectrum coordination is performed, and may beperiodic or aperiodic. The shared spectrum system 100 comprises a SASconfigured to permit radios access to share spectrum prior to a plannedtime (SAS) 102 and communicatively coupled to at least one CBSD(CBSD(s)) 108 whose transmissions are controlled or regulated by the SAS102. Each CBSD is operated by a general authorized access user and/or apriority access licensee.

Optionally, the SAS 102 is coupled to at least one environmental sensingcapability system (ESC system(s)) 104. Optionally, the SAS 102 iscoupled to at least one central database (central database(s)) 109,e.g., which has information about (a) incumbent user(s) and/or (b)geographic region(s) to be maintained interference free (e.g., type,interference threshold power level, location, information aboutneighborhood, and/or when certain incumbent user(s) and/or geographicregions(s) to be maintained interference free are scheduled to receivein the shared spectrum or to include a communications system, e.g., aradar, that will receive in the shared spectrum.

Optionally, the SAS 102 is coupled to at least one other SAS (otherSAS(s)) 106. The other SAS(s) 106 are configured to control thetransmissions of other CBSD(s) (in the same shared spectrum in which theCBSD(s) 108 transmit or in overlapping frequency spectrum) and where theother CBSD(s) are geographically proximate to the CBSD(s) 108. Forexample, such other CBSDs controlled by other SAS(s) 106 may include PALand GAA users.

The SAS 102 is configured to perform interference analysis and authorizetransmission by CBSD(s) 108 in the shared spectrum. CBSD(s) (whosetransmissions are controlled by other SAS(s) 106) may generateelectromagnetic energy that overlaps the geographic region and frequencyspectrum of the CBSD(s) 108 controlled by SAS 102, and thus must beaccounted for by the SAS 102 when the SAS 102 performs interferenceanalysis and authorizes transmission by CBSD(s) 108 in the sharedspectrum. Alternatively, the shared spectrum system 100 and its PALs andGAA CBSDs, may generate electromagnetic energy that overlaps thegeographic region(s) comprising CBSD(s) whose transmissions arecontrolled by the other SAS(s) 106, and thus must be accounted for bythe other SAS(s) 106 when the other SAS(s) 106 perform interferenceanalysis, and authorize operation of CBSDs of PALs and GAA CBSDs (whosetransmissions are controlled by the other SAS(s) 106). By coupling SASswhose CBSDs are geographically proximate to one another, each SAS canaccount for electromagnetic energy emitted from proximate CBSD(s) inthose geographic region(s).

Each ESC system detects, and communicates to the SAS 102, the dynamicpresence of signal(s), e.g., from some incumbent user(s), such asradars. Alternatively, incumbent users can inform the SAS 102 that theyare operating, e.g., by transmitting a signal beacon, or communicatingwith the central database(s) 109 which may be coupled to the SAS 102.

The SAS 102 also is also configured to control the operation (e.g.,power levels and frequencies of operation) of the GAA user(s)' CBSD(s)so that the PAL CBSD(s) operate free of interference. In one embodiment,the SAS 102 includes a processing system 102A coupled to acommunications system 102B. The processing system 102A controls theoperation of CBSD(s) 108 that form part of the shared spectrum system100.

The communications system 102B facilitates communications between theSAS 102 and other systems or devices, e.g., the CBSD(s) 108, the ESCsystem(s) 104, the central database(s) 109, and/or the other SAS(s) 106.In one embodiment, the communications system 102B includes a modem,e.g., an Internet data modem, a transceiver, and/or any othercommunications device(s) that can facilitate communications between theaforementioned devices.

Optionally, the processing system (or processing system circuitry) 102Amay be a state machine, a neural network, and/or a quantum computer. Ifthe processing system 102A includes a state machine, then optionally thestate machine may comprise processor circuitry coupled to memorycircuitry.

The SAS 102, e.g., the processing system 102A, comprises a modifiedspectrum coordination system (SC-planned or modified SC-planned) 102A-1,and a SAS database 102A-2. The SC-planned 102A-1 is configured to moreefficiently perform planned spectrum coordination, e.g., as exemplifiedby embodiments described herein. Optionally, the SAS 102 includes apower modelling system (PMS) 102A-3. Optionally, SC-planned 102A-1 isimplemented by software stored in the memory circuitry and executed bythe processor circuitry, and the SAS database 102A-2 comprises datastored in the memory circuitry and processed by the processor circuitry.The components of the SAS 102 are provided for illustrative purposesonly; other component(s) may be instead of those illustrated in FIG. 1A.

A conventional spectrum coordination system is configured to determinefrequency spectrum to allocate to CBSD(s) (registered with a SAS 102and/or other SAS(s) 106) that ensure that if the CBSD(s) request thefrequency spectrum allocation recommended by the SAS 102 and/or theother SAS(s) 106, then the CBSD(s) will be free from interference.Conventional planned spectrum coordination system also determines themaximum transmission power of CBSDs so that protection point(s) (whichrepresents actual and/or potential incumbent user(s) and/or regionswhich are to remain free of interference from CBSDs) will be free ofinterference. The conventional planned spectrum coordination system doesso by assessing aggregate interference at each protection point having aneighborhood encompassing geographic location(s) of CBSD(s), where theaggregate interference is generated by such CBSD(s) in the neighborhood.Neighborhood means a geographic area (such as a circle or other shape)centered around a protection point, e.g., which optionally is defined bya radius or other geometric description.

Protection points may correspond to different types of incumbent users.An interference threshold level for a protection point may depend on atype of incumbent user that the protection point represents.Interference threshold levels may vary amongst incumbent user types.

Optionally, determination of maximum transmission power may beimplemented with power allocation process that operates substantiallyaccordingly to WInnForum general requirement R2-SGN-16 and using aniterative allocation process (TAP). WInnForum general requirement(requirement) R2-SGN-16 of WINNF-TS-0112 defines the IAP, andWINNF-TS-0112 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TheIAP determines maximum transmit power levels by allocating interferencemargin fairly to CBSDs in neighborhood(s) of protection point(s)proximate to the CBSDs. The IAP determines such transmit power levels byallocating interference margin fairly to the CBSDs in neighborhoods ofprotection point(s) of incumbent(s) for a certain combination or set offrequency spectrums mapped to the CBSDs. WInnForum general requirement(requirement) R2-SGN-16 of WINNF-TS-0112 defines the IAP and isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. However, the powerallocation system may be implemented in other ways to allocate, e.g.,equitably, maximum transmission power of CBSDs.

However, as described elsewhere herein, the SC-planned 102A-1 differsfrom a conventional spectrum coordination system by utilizing at leastone of the techniques described herein which makes planned spectrumcoordination is more computationally efficient. The PMS 102A-3 isconfigured to model interference between two geographic points using atleast one propagation model and may be used by the SC-planned 102A-1.However, in other embodiments, some or all of the functions provided bythe PMS 102A-3 may be integrated into the SC-planned 102A-1. Thepropagation model(s) may be used to determine path loss between togeographic points; knowing a transmit power of a CBSD in the sharedspectrum, the path loss may then be used to determine a power(transmitted from the CBSD) at a geographic location (e.g., at anotherCBSD or a protection point) remote from the CBSD. Optionally, the PMS102A-3 includes two or more propagation models one of which may beselected based upon geographic morphology (e.g., topography) between twogeographic points. The propagation model(s) may include a free spacepath loss model, an irregular terrain model and/or a Hata model (orvariation(s) thereof such as the enhanced Hata (eHata) model). The PMS102A-3 may be utilized by the SC-planned 102A-1 to determineinterference power transmitted from a CBSD at a geographic locationremote from the CBSD.

The SC-planned 102A-1 also includes techniques for generating aneighborhood around each protection point and can utilize the PMS 102A-3to determine the aggregate level of interference, at each protectionpoint, in frequency spectra at each protection point from CBSD(s) in theneighborhood of the protection point. To this end, the propagationmodel(s) (e.g., free space path loss model, irregular terrain modeland/or Hata model (or variations thereof such as the enhanced Hata(eHata) model)) are used to determine path loss between CBSDs andprotection point(s).

The SAS database 102A-2 includes information about the CBSD(s) 108 andCBSDs (geographically proximate to the CBSD(s) 108) whose transmissionsin some or all of the shared spectrum are controlled by other SAS(s)106. Optionally, such CBSD information may include CBSD type (and thusmaximum transmit power) and/or maximum transmit power, geographiclocation, antenna height, antenna gain, antenna pattern, antenna downtilt angle, and/or antenna azimuthal angle. The SAS database 102A-2 alsoincludes information about the location, e.g., representative protectionpoint(s), of incumbent users proximate to the CBSD(s) 108. Additionally,and/or alternatively, the SAS 102 may remotely obtain such information,e.g., form the central database(s) 109, the other SAS(s) 106 (e.g., froma full activity dump (FAD) from each of the other SAS(s) 106 to the SAS102), and/or the corresponding CBSD(s). The SAS database 102A-2 alsoincludes network graph(s) generated by execution of the SC-planned102A-1. Each network graph comprises one or more nodes, where each nodecomprises one or more GAA CBSDs, each node is assigned a color , whereif the network graph comprises more than one node then each node isconnected to at least one other node by an edge, and where two nodesconnected with an edge do not have the same color. The SAS database102A-2 may also include frequency spectrum allocation information foreach color of each node of a network graph generated by SC-planned102A-1. Optionally, the SAS database 102A-2 may include geographicmorphology data about the geographic region where CBSDs whosetransmission is controlled by the SAS 102 and optionally by other SAS(s)106.

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of data flow between aCBSD and a SAS comprising a modified spectrum coordination system. Tothe extent that data flow and methods shown in any of the Figures isdescribed herein as being implemented in the system shown in FIG. 1A, itis to be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in otherways. Arrows in the data flow and blocks of the flow diagrams have beenarranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation;however, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merelyexemplary, and it should be recognized that the processing associatedwith the methods (and the blocks shown in the Figures) can occur in adifferent order (for example, where at least some of the processingassociated with the blocks is performed in parallel and/or in anevent-driven manner).

Until it is registered with the SAS 102, transmissions of anyunregistered CBSD are not controlled by the SAS 102. For purposes ofclarity, even after a CBSD registers with the SAS 102, the CBSD will notbe deemed to be a node of the network graph until a new network graph isgenerated by a next execution of SC-planned 102A-1 after registration.

To be become one of the CBSD(s) 108 (and thus to be considered by theSAS 102 to be allowed to transmit in the shared spectrum), the new CBSD103 sends a registration request 110A to the SAS 102. Optional,communications between CBSDs, e.g., the new CBSD 103, and the SAS 102may be made through, at least in part, the Internet. When sending theregistration request, the new CBSD 103 is unregistered with the SAS 102.Optionally, the new CBSD 103 provides data (or registration data) aboutthe new CBSD 103 in the registration request that upon its receipt bythe SAS 102 is stored in the SAS database 102A-2. The SAS database102A-2 also stores similar data for other CBSD(s) of the CBSD(s) 108,and optionally for CBSD(s) controlled by other SAS(s) 106 (which may beobtained for example from a full activity dump(s) from the other SAS(s)106).

The data about the new CBSD 103 (CBSD type (and thus maximum transmitpower), geographic location, CBSD group information, antenna height,antenna gain, antenna pattern, antenna down tilt angle, and/or antennaazimuthal angle). Optionally, the data may include a new CBSD's maximumtransmit power in lieu of the new CBSD's CBSD type, e.g., category A orB. Optionally, the data may include the new CBSD's minimum acceptabletransmit power (or minimum transmit power); if the new CBSD were tooperate at less than it minimum acceptable transmit power, then forexample its coverage area would be impractically small, or it would beunable to communicate with another fixed wireless access CBSD. Uponreceipt of this data, and subject to there not being erroneous dataprovided to the SAS 102 or the new CBSD 103 not being a CBSD that shouldbe controlled by the SAS 102, the new CBSD 103 becomes part of theCBSD(s) 108 whose transmissions in shared spectrum are controlled by theSAS 102.

Upon receiving the registration request 110A from a new CBSD 103, theSAS 102 stores the registration data 110B in the SAS database 102A-2,and optionally sends a registration acknowledgement 110C to the new CBSD103. Optionally, the new CBSD 103 (or another CBSD of the CBSD(s) 108)sends at least one spectrum inquiry 110D to the SAS 102 each of whichseeks to ascertain from the SAS 102 whether the SAS 102 would allocateto the new CBSD for transmission a frequency spectrum, in the sharedspectrum, specified in a corresponding spectrum inquiry. Optionally, theSAS 102 sends to the inquiring CBSD a spectrum inquiry response 110E foreach received spectrum inquiry. For example, if a spectrum inquiryresponse is received by the new CBSD, the spectrum inquiry responseindicates that the frequency spectrum identified in the correspondingspectrum inquiry is available for transmission. Optionally, the spectruminquiry response includes a maximum transmit power which can be used bythe new CBSD to transmit in such frequency spectrum.

During planned spectrum coordination, SC-planned 102A-1 attempts todetermine frequency spectrum and transmit power allocation for allregistered CBSDs. The new CBSD 103 (or another one of the CBSD(s) 108)sends a grant request 110F to the SAS 102. The grant request specifiesat least an identifier for the requesting CBSD and a frequency spectrum,in which the CBSD seeks authorization from the SAS 102 to transmit.Thus, the SAS 102 seeks to have the SC-planned 102A-1 determine whetherthe requesting CBSD can transmit in the requested frequency spectrum byattempting to determine CBSD parameter(s) 110G. For purposes of clarity,not every CBSD is guaranteed of receiving permission to transmit inrequested frequency spectrum in the shared spectrum at a planned time,e.g., when SC-planned planned 102A-1 a is executed. The requesting CBSDmay not be authorized by the SAS to transmit in the frequency spectrumspecified in the grant request because the requested frequency spectrumis unavailable (e.g., because transmission in such frequency spectrumwould result in excessive interference) and/or a determined maximumtransmit power is less than a minimum acceptable transmit power levelfor the new CBSD 103; optionally, in such case, the SAS 102 may suggestan alternative frequency spectrum, determined during planned spectrumcoordination, in the grant response or inquiry response parameter(s).Note, the SC-planned 102A-1 may also be attempting to determine whetherone or more other GAA CBSD(s) (controlled by the SAS 102 and/or by otherSAS(s) 106) can transmit in the shared spectrum.

When a CBSD, registered prior to a previously performed planned spectrumcoordination, requests frequency spectrum from the SAS 102, the SAS 102sends, to the CBSD, a frequency spectrum and maximum transmit powerdetermined during the previously performed planned spectrumcoordination. The CBSD may request frequency spectrum in a spectruminquiry or a grant request. The frequency spectrum and maximum transmitpower may be provided in a spectrum inquiry response 110E or a grantresponse 110L.

Optionally, the SC-planned 102A-1 requests co-existence data 110H fromthe SAS database 102A-2. Optionally, the SAS database 102A-2 sends theco-existence data 110I to the SC-planned 102A-1.

Upon receipt of the co-existence data, the SC-planned 102A-1 may, ifpossible, determine CBSD parameter(s) (as is further exemplifiedherein). The SC-planned 102A-1 will determine a frequency spectrumallocation and optionally determine a maximum transmit power forregistered CBSD(s), that may, or may not, be below a minimum useabletransmit power level. Minimum useable transmit power means a transmitpower of a CBSD that is provides a coverage area of a minimum range orradius. When the SC-planned 102A-1 determines the CBSD parameter(s),then optionally the SC-planned 102A-1 sends the determined CBSDparameter(s) 110I to the SAS database 102A-2. Optionally, the SASdatabase 102A-2 stores the determined CBSD parameters. Optionally, theSAS database 102A-2 sends an acknowledgement of receipt of thedetermined CBSD parameter(s) 110J to the SC-planned 102A-1 b.Optionally, sometime after receipt of the registration request from thenew CBSD 103, the SAS 102 sends a registration acknowledgement 110C tothe new CBSD 103 to confirm that the new CBSD 103 has been registeredwith the SAS 102.

FIG. 2A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 220 ofdetermining, with enhanced computational efficiency, frequency spectrumand maximum transmit power to allocate, to a GAA CBSD during plannedspectrum allocation. This is accomplished by utilizing at least one ofthe techniques, described elsewhere herein, to enhance computationalefficiency.

To the extent that the methods shown in any Figures are described hereinas being implemented with any of the systems illustrated herein, it isto be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in otherways. The blocks of the flow diagrams have been arranged in a generallysequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to beunderstood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should berecognized that the processing associated with the methods (and theblocks shown in the Figures) can occur in a different order (forexample, where at least some of the processing associated with theblocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner).

In block 220A, co-existence information (or data) is received.Co-existence data is described elsewhere herein. Such co-existence datainformation may be received from the SAS database, the centraldatabase(s), and/or other sources.

Optionally, in block 220B, at least one interference group isdetermined. If block 220B is performed, then block 220B may be performedbefore performing block 220C or after performing block 220D. Performingblock 220B after block 220D may be done if a number of nodes of a set ofnodes (or nodeset) is large, e.g., comprising at least one thousandnodes. Thus, if block 220B is performed before performing block 220C,then at least blocks 220C, 220D, 220F, and optional block 220E areperformed on an interference group by interference group basis, e.g., inparallel as discussed elsewhere herein. Alternatively, if block 220B isperformed after performing block 220D, then block 220F and optionalblock 220E are performed on an interference group by interference groupbasis. In either case, block 220G may or may not be performed on aninterference group basis.

In block 220C, zero or more edges are identified, where an edge isformed between two nodes. An edge means that a criterion of interferenceat a GAA CBSD or a node consisting of one or more GAA CBSDs exceeds anedge interference threshold level. Optionally, the threshold level is aninterference threshold level, and optionally the interference thresholdlevel may be −96 dBm/10 MHz. An edge represents interference by one ofthe two CBSDs with the other CBSD, and possibly vice versa.

In block 220D, at least one network graph is generated. Optionally, ifinterference groups are determined, a network graph is generated foreach interference group. The network graph comprises nodes. One or moresets of two nodes of the network graph may be connected by an edge. Eachnode comprises one or more GAA CBSDs operating in the same frequencyspectrum of shared spectrum. The GAA CBSD(s) comprising nodes of thenetwork graph may be controlled by the SAS 102 or the other SAS(s) 106(i.e., peer SAS(s)). Each node is assigned a color. Each color, and thuseach node, is assigned a frequency spectrum in the shared spectrum.Nodes of the same color are not necessarily allocated the same frequencyspectrum, e.g., when a network graph comprises two or more separateconnected sets; however, nodes of a connected set and having the samecolor are allocated the same frequency spectrum.

Optionally, in block 220E, zero or more protection points, each of whichhas an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power thatexceeds an indicium threshold level, are identified, where aneighborhood of each protection point encompasses a geographic locationof at least one GAA CBSD. Optionally, the at least one interferencegroup comprises the at least one GAA CBSD. Optionally, if interferencegroups are determined, then this block is performed on an interferencegroup by interference group basis.

In block 220F, planned spectrum coordination is performed. Optionally,if interference groups are determined, then this block is performed onan interference group by interference group basis. The planned spectrumcoordination may be performed using conventional techniques such aheuristic technique described herein or more computationally efficientlyusing embodiments of the invention (as further described herein). Theplanned spectrum coordination determines which GAA CBSD(s) (which haverequested to transmit in shared spectrum) are authorized to transmit inthe shared spectrum, e.g., controlled by a SAS. A frequency spectrum (inthe shared spectrum) and a maximum transmit power are determined foreach such GAA CBSD determined to be authorized to transmit in the sharedspectrum. Optionally, the determined frequency spectrum is a frequencyspectrum requested by the GAA CBSD and approved, e.g., by the SAS (e.g.,the SAS processing system); however, optionally in the alternative,e.g., the SAS (e.g., the SAS processing system) can determine thefrequency spectrum without input from the corresponding GAA CBSD. Afterthe frequency spectrum is determined, then the maximum transmit power ofthe GAA CBSD is determined using IAP, e.g., by the SAS (e.g., the SASprocessing system). In block 220G, the determined frequency spectrum andmaximum transmit power are sent to each GAA CBSD authorized (in block220F) to be transmit in the shared spectrum. Optionally, the determinedfrequency spectrum is also sent to each GAA CBSD authorized (in block220F) to be transmit in the shared spectrum. Optionally, if interferencegroups are determined, then this block is performed on an interferencegroup by interference group basis.

Returning to FIG. 2B, where FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of exemplaryinterference groups. FIG. 2B illustrates a first interference group(IG1) 221A, a second interference group (IG2) 221B, and a thirdinterference group (IG3) 221C. Each such interference group 221A, 221B,221C comprises at least one set of nodes. Each set of nodes comprise atleast two nodes within the first distance. The second interference group221B comprises a fifth set of nodes (SN5) 225E, and illustrates oneembodiment of option (b) of the original definition of interferencegroup. The third interference group comprises a sixth set of nodes (SN6)225F and a seventh set of nodes (SN7) 225G, and illustrates oneembodiment of option (b) of the optional definition of interferencegroup. The first interference group (IG1) comprises a first set of nodes(SN1) 225A, a second set of nodes (SN2) 225B, a third set of nodes (SN3)225C, and a fourth set of nodes (SN4) 225D, where each set of nodes iswithin at least one neighborhood of a first neighborhood (N1) 223A and asecond neighborhood (N2) 223B respectively of a first protection point(PPI) 222A and a second protection point (PP2) 222B, and one set ofnodes, SN2 is within both neighborhoods. The first interference groupillustrates one embodiment of option (a) of the original definition ofinterference group.

FIG. 2C illustrates a flow diagram of a method 228 of seeking todiminish a number of protection point(s) utilized in planned spectrumcoordination, e.g., block 220E. In block 228A, whether a neighborhood ofat least one protection point encompasses a geographic location of atleast one GAA CBSD, of a node of a network graph (optionally of eachinterference group) is determined. If it is determined that there is nosuch protection point(s) for an interference group, then there is noneed to diminish the number of such protection points.

If it is determined that there is at least one such protection point(optionally for an interference group), then, in block 228B, eachprotection point, whose neighborhood encompasses a geographic locationof at least one GAA CBSD, of a node of a network graph (optionally ofthe interference group), is identified. In block 228C, an indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power for each identified protectionpoint (PP) is determined. This may be referred to as protection pointsounding. Optionally, the indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power may be an average transmit adjustment power (ATAP),an aggregate transmit adjustment power (AggTAP), and/or an averagetransmit adjustment power ratio (ATAP-R) used to characterize anaggregate reduction of transmission power of GAA CBSD(s) (comprisingnode(s) of a connected set) that are geographically located in aneighborhood of a protection point. ATAP and AggTAP may be used if allGAA CBSD(s) have the same maximum operating transmit power, e.g., areeither category A or B. If the GAA CBSDs have different maximumoperating transmit power levels, e.g., comprising category A and B, thenATAP-R must be used. However, even if all the GAA CBSD(s) have the samemaximum operating transmit power, then ATAP-R may also be used.

Determination of ATAP and AggTAP will be first described. Firstly, atransmit adjustment power (TAP) is determined for each such GAA CBSD(comprising the node(s) of the connected set) geographically located inthe neighborhood of the protection point. The transmit adjustment powerof a GAA CBSD equals a maximum transmit power level of the CBSD less atransmit power level of the GAA CBSD to reduce aggregate interference atthe protection point below a corresponding interference threshold levelassociated with the protection point (e.g., based on type of incumbentassociated with the protection point, etc.). The maximum power of a CBSDmay be directly or indirectly provided by the GAA CBSD when the GAA CBSDregisters, e.g., with a SAS, or obtained from another source, e.g., theexternal database(s). The aggregate interference at the protection pointis a sum of interference at the protection point from all GAA CBSD(s),transmitting on the same, or portions of, the frequency spectrumco-channel with a frequency spectrum associated with the correspondingidentified protection point, and geographically located within theneighborhood of the protection point.

Secondly, an ATAP, AggTAP, and/or ATAP-R is determined for eachprotection point whose neighborhood encompasses geographic location(s)of GAA CBSD(s) comprising at least one node of the connected set. TheAggTAP is determined by summing each TAP of all GAA CBSD(s) thatco-channel with a frequency spectrum associated with the correspondingidentified protection point, and are geographically located in theneighborhood of the protection point. The ATAP is determined bycalculating the AggTAP and dividing by the number of GAA CBSDs whoseTAPs were summed to determine the AggTAP.

Determination of ATAP-R will now be described. Firstly, a TAP isdetermined for each GAA CBSD as described above. Secondly, a transmitpower adjustment ratio (TAP-R) is determined for each CBSD by dividingthe TAP for each GAA CBSD by the maximum transmit operating transmitpower of the corresponding GAA CBSD. Thirdly, ATAP-R is determined byaveraging the TAP-R of each GAA CBSD. ATAP-R is used to characterize anaggregate reduction ratio of transmission power of GAA CBSD(s)(comprising node(s) of a connected set) that are geographically locatedin a neighborhood of a protection point. The following is an example ofdetermination of ATAP-R for three GAA CBSDs: if the three GAA CBSDs havea maximum transmit power of 10 W, 20 W and 5 W, and the transmitadjustment power is 2 W, 3 W and 2.5 W, respectively, then the TAP-R isrespectively 0.2, 0.15 and 0.5, and thus ATAP-R is 0.2833).

In block 228D, zero or more protection points, each of which have anindicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power (of GAA CBSD(s)geographically located within the neighborhood of the protection point)that exceeds an indicium threshold level, are identified. The indiciumthreshold level may vary based upon type of protection point. Thedetermined indicium for each identified protection point then canoptionally be used to diminish the number of protection points at whichinterference analysis is performed. Thus, by reducing the number ofidentified protection points analyzed by both optional techniques,computational efficiency can be enhanced. As is further explainedelsewhere herein, optionally, the results of block 228D may be used toavoid performing, e.g., by a SAS, complex spectrum allocation analysisfor each protection point whose neighborhood encompasses thegeographical location of at least one GAA CBSD comprising a node of anetwork graph; thus, computational efficiency of performing plannedspectrum coordination may be increased.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 300 ofdetermining an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power foreach identified protection point, e.g., block 228D. Optionally, in block330A, each connected set, in a corresponding network graph, isidentified. Optionally, the network graph is a network graph of aninterference group. Block 330A is optional because this block may havebeen previously performed with respect to the network graph.

In block 330B, each protection point, having a neighborhood encompassinga geographic location of a GAA CBSD of a node of each identifiedconnected set, is identified. Optionally, this may be performed bysearching for protection point(s), of a specific type, within apredefined distance, corresponding to the specific distance, of each GAACBSD. Optionally, such a search may be performed for each type ofprotection point when specific distances vary by protection point type.Block 330B is optional because this block may have previously beenperformed.

In block 330C, for each identified protection point, a frequencyspectrum is assigned to each color allocated to each node of theidentified connected set, where each node comprises at least one GAACBSD geographically located in a neighborhood of a correspondingidentified protection point, where the frequency spectrum is co-channelwith a frequency spectrum associated with the corresponding identifiedprotection point, and where a frequency spectrum assigned to one colorallocated to one node comprising an identified connected set isorthogonal to a frequency spectrum assigned to another color allocatedto another node comprising the identified connected set, whereorthogonal means that the frequency spectrums do not overlap, and whereeach assigned frequency spectrum is from a randomly selected set offrequency spectrum(s) which can be assigned to each node of theidentified connected set. Optionally, block 330C may be performed foreach identified protection point associated with the identifiedconnected set as follows:

-   -   (a) identify each GAA CBSD comprising a node of the identified        connected set that are geographically located within a        neighborhood of a corresponding identified protection point;    -   (b) identify the nodes comprised of the identified GAA CBSD(s);    -   (c) identify a color of each identified node; and    -   (d) divide frequency spectrum associated with the identified        protection point by the number of identified color(s), and        randomly assigning (from a set of combinations of the unique        portions of the divided frequency spectrum) a unique portion of        the divided frequency spectrum to each identified color. The        number of combinations equals a factorial of a chromatic number        of the identified connected set. Because the combination is        randomly selected, a worst case indicium of aggregate reduction        of transmission power will not be determined in block 330D.        However, the random selection should still identify which        identified protection point(s) have aggregate interference above        a threshold interference level due to GAA CBSD(s) geographically        located in a neighborhood of each such protection point(s) and        which are co-channel with a corresponding protection point.        Optionally, at least one of blocks 220C through 220G can be        performed in parallel, using parallel processing, for each        determined interference group.

In block 330D, for each identified protection point, an indicium of anaggregate reduction of transmission power (of GAA CBSD(s) geographicallylocated in a neighborhood of the identified protection point) isdetermined. Optionally, the indicium of an aggregate reduction oftransmission power is an ATAP, ATAP-R and/or an AggTAP for eachidentified protection point.

FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 440 ofperforming planned spectrum coordination with enhanced computationalefficiency, e.g., optionally determined in block 220F. The method 440illustrates a technique for assigning frequency spectrum(s)—which havenot previously been assigned to color(s)—to color(s) (not previouslyassigned frequency spectrum(s)), wherein the assigned frequencyspectrum(s) enhance a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power ofGAA CBSD(s) of nodes allocated the color(s) assigned the frequencyspectrum(s).

In optional block 440A, protection point(s) (PP(s)) having an indiciumof aggregate reduction of transmission power above a second indiciumthreshold level are identified. FIG. 4B illustrates a flow diagram ofone embodiment of a method 442 of determining protection point(s) havingan indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power above a secondindicium threshold level, e.g., optional block 440A. In block 442A, astate of all GAA CBSD(s) in a network graph for each connected set isset to an uninitialized state. FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of oneembodiments of a set of states 500 of a GAA CBSD. Initially and prior toperforming planned spectrum coordination with enhanced computationalefficiency, e.g., pursuant to FIG. 4A, each GAA CBSD has anuninitialized state 500A. GAA CBSD(s) whose geographic location isdetermined to be within a neighborhood of an identified protection pointhave their state set to an unassigned state 500B; thus, an unassignedstate of a GAA CBSD means that the GAA CBSD is within a neighborhood ofan identified protection point, but does not have an assigned state. Anassigned state 500C of a GAA CBSD means that at least one potentialfrequency spectrum has been identified as being potentially assignable,or has been assigned, to a color allocated to a node comprising the GAACBSD.

Selected protection point(s) or selected identified protection point(s)are used herein for pedagogical purposes with respect to FIGS. 4A-9. Theterm selected suggests that optional block 220E has been performed.However, block 220E is optional, and thus, where selected protectionpoint(s) or selected identified protection point(s) are used, protectionpoints or identified protection point(s) may also be used.

Returning to FIG. 4B, in block 442B, identified protection point(s) aresorted based upon a determined indicium of an aggregate reduction oftransmission power of each identified protection point. The sorting maybe in descending or ascending order. In block 442C, whether allidentified protection points have been evaluated is determined. In block442D, an identified protection point having the next largest indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power is selected. The next selectedidentified protection point is an identified protection point having alargest indicium of an aggregate reduction of transmission power (incomparison with the previously selected identified protection point) ifit is the first selected identified protection point; if the nextselected identified protection point is not the first selectedidentified protection point, then an identified protection point havinga next largest indicium of aggregate reduction of aggregate reduction oftransmission power is selected. The next largest indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power is a highest indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power of an identified protection point of asubset of the sorted identified protection points that have not beenselected. Thus, the corresponding identified protection point is anidentified protection point in next sequence in the sorted list ofidentified protection points that has not been selected.

In block 442E, whether the selected identified protection point has alargest indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power (e.g., alargest ATAP, a largest ATAP-R and/or a largest AggTAP) are determined.If the selected identified protection point does not have a largestindicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power, then proceed toblock 442H.

If the selected identified protection point has a largest indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power (e.g., ATAP, ATAP-R and/or alargest AggTAP), then in optional block 442F each GAA CBSD that isgeographically located in a neighborhood of the selected identifiedprotection point is identified. In block 442G, a state of all identifiedGAA CBSD(s) is set to an unassigned state. Block 442F is optionalbecause identification of GAA CBSD(s) may have been previouslyperformed, e.g., during protection point sounding or when identifyinginterference groups. Then, proceed to block 442L.

In block 442H, GAA CBSD(s), geographically located in a neighborhood ofthe selected identified protection point and that are in anuninitialized state, are identified. In block 442I, the state of theidentified GAA CBSD(s) is changed to an unassigned state. GAA CBSD(s) inthe unassigned state may include GAA CBSD(s), which are geographicallylocated in neighborhood(s) of at least two identified protectionpoint(s) and whose state(s) remain unassigned for previously analyzedidentified protection point(s) having a higher indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power.

In block 442J, each frequency spectrum of the identified GAA CBSD(s) isset to be co-channel with the frequency spectrum associated with theidentified protection point. The frequency spectrum associated with theidentified protection point is divided by the number of identifiedcolor(s) of node(s) comprising identified GAA CBSD(s); a unique portionof the divided frequency spectrum is randomly assigned (from a set ofcombinations of the unique portions of the divided frequency spectrum)to each identified color, and thus to each identified GAA CBSD. Thenumber of combinations equals a factorial of a chromatic number of aconnected set. Because the combination is randomly selected, a worstcase indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power will not bedetermined in block 442K. However, the random selection should stillidentify if the identified protection point has an aggregateinterference above a threshold interference level due to GAA CBSD(s)geographically located in a neighborhood of each such protectionpoint(s) and which are co-channel with a corresponding protection point.The resulting frequency spectrum determined for each identified CBSD inblock 442J results in an initial set of frequency spectrum(s) assignedto node(s) of a determined connected set.

In block 442K, an indicium of reduction of transmission power for eachGAA CBSD identified in block 442H and an indicium of aggregate reductionof transmission power (e.g., either (a) a TAP for each GAA CBSDidentified in block 442H, and an ATAP, and/or an AggTAP, or (b) a TAP-Rfor each GAA CBSD identified in block 442H and an ATAP-R) are determinedfrom the identified GAA CBSD(s) for the settings (specified in block442J). The purpose of block 442K is to determine whether or not toassign frequency spectrum (that is co-channel with a frequency spectrumassociated with the selected identified protection point) to theidentified GAA CBSD(s) based on the indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power.

In block 442L, a top impacting percentile is set to equal an initial topimpacting percentile, e.g., an initial top impacting percentile of fiftypercent. Top impacting percentile means a percentile of the determinedTAP or TAP-R of the identified GAACBSD(s) that have the largestrespectively TAP or TAP-R. The initial top impacting percentile will begreater than subsequently determined top impacting percentile(s). Theinitial top impacting percentile may be determined by a system designerand/or a system user.

In block 442M, for at least one set of frequency spectrum(s) (determinedfor the initial set of frequency spectrum(s) determined in block 442Jwhen block 442M is first analyzed, or alternatively for the at least oneset of frequency spectrum(s) which may be optionally determined by alast execution of block 440C (e.g., block 446D) when block 442M issubsequently optionally analyzed), whether the determined indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmit power (IARTP) (e.g. the determined ATAPand/or the determined AggTAP, or the determined ATAP-R) is less thancorresponding power level reduction threshold(s), or whether a topimpacting percentile is less than a minimum impacting percentile, isdetermined. Each power level reduction threshold is an average oraggregate power level reduction, or an average power level reductionratio, that would be acceptable for the GAA CBSD(s) for whichrespectively the ATAP or AggTAP, or ATAP-R, is determined. The minimumimpacting percentile, e.g., 10%, may be determined by a system designerand/or a system user.

If respectively the determined ATAP, the determined AggTAP, ordetermined ATAP-R, is less than the corresponding power level reductionthreshold, or if the top impacting percentile is less than the minimumimpacting percentile, then, proceed to block 440B. Returning to FIG. 4A,in block 440B, for each identified protection point, GAA CBSD(s), havingan indicium of a reduction of transmission power greater than atransmission power reduction threshold level, are determined, where eachidentified GAA CBSD comprises a node of a connected set of a networkgraph. FIG. 4C illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method444 of determining, for each identified protection point, GAA CBSD(s),having an indicium of reduction of transmission power greater than atransmission power reduction threshold level, e.g., block 440B.

In block 444A, CBSD(s), having an indicium of a reduction oftransmission power, e.g., TAP or TAP-R, greater than a transmissionpower reduction threshold level, e.g., respectively a TAP thresholdlevel or a TAP-R threshold level, are determined. In block 444B, eachconnected set(s) (comprising at least one node comprising at least onedetermined CBSD having a transmission power reduction threshold levelgreater than the transmission power reduction threshold level) and eachcolor (allocated to a least one node comprising the determined GAACBSD(s) having a transmission power reduction threshold level, e.g., aTAP or TAP-R, greater than the transmission power reduction thresholdlevel, e.g., respectively a TAP threshold level or a TAP-R thresholdlevel) of each such connected set are determined.

In block 444C, the top impacting percentile is reduced by an incrementalpercentile value, e.g., 10%. The incremental percentile value may bedetermined by a system designer and/or a system user.

Returning to FIG. 4A, in block 440C, for at least one identifiedprotection point, for the determined CBSD(s), a diminished, e.g., aminimum, number of sets of frequency spectrum(s) is determined orobtained. By diminishing the number of set(s) of frequency spectrum(s),the number of interference analyses, in 440D, for the determinedfrequency spectrum(s) is reduced, thus improving computationalefficiency. Block 440C may be implemented by at least one set offrequency spectrum(s) for at least one determined connected set beingobtained—if available, where a unique frequency spectrum element of eachset may be optionally allocated to each determined color of eachdetermined connected set; each frequency spectrum element of the atleast one set may or may not be a final assignment to a correspondingdetermined color. A set of at least one frequency spectrum meansfrequency spectrum assignable to each identified color (assigned to anode) of each identified connected set, where such frequency spectrum(s)are orthogonal with one another; for purposes of clarity the identifiedcolors may be assigned to nodes of one or more identified connectedsets. Each frequency spectrum element of each set of frequencyspectrum(s) consists of a portion of a segment of frequency spectrum inwhich each GAA CBSD may be authorized (e.g., by a SAS) to transmit; suchfrequency spectrum in which each GAA CBSD may be authorized to transmitmay be contiguous with or include shared spectrum. In block 440C, suchfrequency spectrum may not be obtained because it is unavailable, e.g.,because there is insufficient bandwidth in frequency spectra availableto the identified connected set. The aforementioned technique of block440C seeks to reduce, e.g., minimize, the size of the at least one setof frequency spectrum(s) to diminish the computational effort performedin block 440E.

FIG. 4D illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 446 ofdetermining or obtaining for at least one identified protection point,for the determined GAA CBSD(s), a diminished, e.g., a minimum, number ofsets of frequency spectrum(s), e.g., block 440C. In block 446A, GAACBSD(s), having a TAP, or TAP-R, greater than respectively a TAP, orTAP-R, threshold level, are determined; top impacting CBSD(s) means theGAA CBSD(s) having a TAP, or TAP-R, greater than respectively the TAP,or TAP-R, threshold level. In block 446B, each connected set (comprisingat least one node comprising at least one determined GAA CBSD having aTAP or TAP-R greater than respectively a TAP or TAP-R threshold level)and each color (allocated to a least one node comprising the determinedGAA CBSD(s) having a TAP or TAP-R greater than respectively the TAP orTAP-R threshold level) of each such connected set are determined. Inblock 446C, the top impacting percentile is reduced by an incrementalpercentile value, e.g., 10%. The incremental percentile value may bedetermined by a system designer and/or a system user. Optionally, eachtime the requirements of block 442M are not satisfied, this block 446Cwill be performed, thus further reducing the top impacting percentileand include more GAA CBSDs geographically located within a neighborhoodof an identified protection point.

In block 446D, at least one set of frequency spectrum(s) for at leastone determined connected set is obtained—if available, where a uniquefrequency spectrum element of each set may be optionally allocated toeach determined color of each determined connected set; each frequencyspectrum element of the at least one set may or may not be a finalassignment to a corresponding determined color. A set of at least onefrequency spectrum means frequency spectrum assignable to eachidentified color (assigned to a node) of each identified connected set,where such frequency spectrum(s) are orthogonal with one another; forpurposes of clarity the identified colors may be assigned to nodes ofone or more identified connected sets. Each frequency spectrum elementof each set of frequency spectrum(s) consists of a portion of a segmentof frequency spectrum in which each GAA CBSD may be authorized (e.g., bya SAS) to transmit; such frequency spectrum in which each CBSD may beauthorized to transmit may be contiguous with or include sharedspectrum. In block 446D, such frequency spectrum may not be obtainedbecause it is unavailable, e.g., because there is insufficient bandwidthin frequency spectra available to the identified connected set. Theaforementioned technique of block 446D seeks to reduce, e.g., minimize,the size of the at least one set of frequency spectrum(s) to diminishthe computational effort performed in block 446E.

In block 446E, for each of the at least one set obtained in block 446D,an ATAP and/or an AggTAP, or an ATAP-R, is determined for each nodecomprising determined CBSD(s). Whether ATAP and/or AggTAP, or ATAP-R, isutilized in Block 446E is based upon which of these parameters wasanalyzed previously, e.g., in block 442M.

Returning to FIG. 4A, in block 440D, for each of the at least one setobtained in block 440C, an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power (e.g., an ATAP and/or an AggTAP, or an ATAP-R), isdetermined for GAA CBSD(s) that are geographically located in aneighborhood of a corresponding identified protection point. WhetherATAP and/or AggTAP, or ATAP-R, is utilized in block 440D is based uponwhich of these parameters was analyzed previously, e.g., in block 442M.

In block 440E, for at least one identified protection point, an obtainedset of frequency spectrum(s) that enhances, e.g., maximizes, a functionof an indicium (of an aggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximumtransmit power allocated to each GAA CBSD authorized to transmit in theshared spectrum and are geographically located in the neighborhood ofthe protection point) is determined. Optionally, block 440E isimplemented by enhancing, e.g., maximizing, the indicium (of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power allocatedto each GAA CBSD authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum and aregeographically located in the neighborhood of the protection point).Optionally, block 440E is implemented as follows. FIG. 4E illustrates aflow diagram of one embodiment of a method 448 of determining anobtained set of frequency spectrum(s) that enhances a function of anindicium (of an aggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmitpower, e.g., block 440E.

Optionally, in block 442M, if the determined IARTP is less than thecorresponding power level reduction threshold, or if the top impactingpercentile is less than the minimum impacting percentile, then, in block448A, whether at least one set of frequency spectrum(s) (determined forthe initial set of frequency spectrum(s) determined in block 442J whenblock 442M is first analyzed, or alternatively for the at least one setof frequency spectrum(s) which may be optionally determined by a lastexecution of block 446D when block 442M is subsequently optionallyanalyzed) has been obtained is determined. If in block 448A at least onefrequency spectrum was obtained, then, in block 448B, one set offrequency spectrum(s) (that has a large, e.g., maximum, indicium of anaggregate transmit power and bandwidth product allocated to the CBSDsauthorized to transmit in the shared spectrum) is selected. Theselection criterion is based on determining a frequency spectrum thatresults in a large, e.g., maximum, aggregate indicium of both aggregatetransmit power and bandwidth of the CBSDs that are geographicallylocated in the neighborhood of the protection point is selected from theat least one set of frequency spectrum(s); the selected set of frequencyspectrum(s) is allocated to identified color(s) assigned to nodes of theselected identified connected set.

FIG. 6A illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of segments of frequencyspectrum 662 in which GAA CBSD(s) may be authorized to transmit. At aminimum, the frequency spectrum in which CBSD(s) may be authorized totransmit 662F consists of at least two segments: in-band (i.e., thefrequency spectrum associated with a selected identified protectionpoint) and out-of-band (i.e., frequency spectrum orthogonal to thefrequency spectrum associated with a selected identified protection).However, the number of segments may be 2, 3, or more. The number ofsegments may be defined by a system designer, a system user, regulation,law, and/or a standard. More specifically, FIG. 6A illustrates a diagramcomprising three segments of frequency spectrum in which GAA CBSD(s) maybe authorized to transmit 662F. FIG. 6A illustrates an idealizedbandpass characteristic 662E of a receiver of the ESC system. Theidealized bandpass characteristic 662E comprises an in-band segment662A, a guard band 662B, and an out-of-band segment 662C—which overlapfrequency spectrum in which CBSD(s) may be authorized to transmit. Thein-band segment 662A is contiguous with or includes at least thefrequency spectrum in which the receiver seeks to detect signals. Signaltransmissions by GAA CBSD(s) received in the in-band segment 662A and atthe selected identified protection point contribute to aggregateinterference at such protection point. Signal transmissions by GAACBSD(s) received in the guard band segment 662B and at the selectedidentified protection point may indirectly contribute to aggregateinterference at such protection point due to creating adjacent channelinterference which can desensitize a receiver, e.g., of an ESC system,at such protection point. The guard band is frequency adjacent to thein-band and orthogonal to the frequency spectrum associated with aselected identified protection.

Optionally, the bandwidth of the guard band segment 662B may be lessthan the bandwidth of the in-band segment 662A. In such a case, a largerbandwidth can be allocated to CBSD assigned frequency spectrumcomprising or within the in-band segment 662A than if the CBSD wasfrequency spectrum comprising or within the guard band segment 662B.However, a larger maximum transmit power can be allocated to a GAA CBSDassigned frequency spectrum comprising or within the guard band segment662B than if the GAA CBSD was frequency spectrum comprising or withinthe in-band segment 662A.

Signal transmissions by CBSD(s) received in the out-of-band segment 662Cand at the selected identified protection point do not contribute toaggregate interference at such protection point. Optionally, number ofsegments might increase, for example, if a second guard band and/or asecond out-of-band segment overlap the frequency spectrum in whichCBSD(s) may be authorized to transmit 662F at a lower frequency than thein-band segment 662A.

FIG. 6B illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 660 ofobtaining at least one set of frequency spectrum(s) for at least onedetermined connected set—if available, e.g., block 440C. In block 660A,a number of segments, N, in frequency spectrum, in which GAA CBSD(s) maybe authorized to transmit, is determined. Optionally, the number ofsegments can be determined by a type of the selected identifiedprotection point, type of incumbent user associated with the selectedidentified protection point, and/or an extent to which the in-bandsegment(s), the guard band segment(s), and/or the out-of-band segment(s)of the frequency spectrum associated with the selected identifiedprotection point overlap frequency spectrum in which GAA CBSD(s) may beauthorized to transmit. Optionally, each segment has an equal bandwidth.

In block 660B, variable n is initialized, e.g., set variable n to anumber; the number is, e.g., an integer, for example, one. In block660C, set(s) of frequency spectrum(s) for an nth segment is determined;it may not be possible to make this determination. In block 660D,variable n is incremented, e.g., by an integer, for example, one. Inblock 660E, whether a set of frequency spectrums has been determined foreach N segments is determined, e.g., by determining if n is greater thanN. If the set of frequency spectrums has not been determined for each Nsegments, then proceed to block 660C.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 770 ofdetermining a set of frequency spectrums for an nth segment—if possible,e.g., block 660C. The illustrated technique seeks to diminish the numberof set(s) of frequency spectrum(s). By doing so, computationalrequirements are diminished when determining an indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power, e.g., in block 440D.

In block 770A, an indicium, of aggregate reduction of transmission powerfor a selected identified protection point based upon top impacting GAACBSD(s) comprising at least one node(s) of each impacting connected set,is determined. The indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission powermay be ATAP or AggTAP, or ATAP-R. Impacting connected set means anidentified connected set comprising at least one node comprising atleast one top impacting GAA CBSD. Thus, impacting connected set(s) maybe identified after top impacting CBSD(s) are identified, e.g., in block444A; an impacting connected set comprises at least one node comprisinga top impacting CBSD.

In block 770B, a weighted indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power for each impacting connected set is determined. Theweight for an impacting connected set is a percentage of top impactingGAA CBSD(s) comprising node(s) of the impacting connected set withrespect to a total number of GAA CBSD(s) comprising node(s) of theimpacting connected set, i.e. all connected sets with at least one nodegeographically located in the neighborhood of the protection point. Aweighted indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power of eachimpacting connected set is determined by multiplying a weight of animpacting connected set by the determined indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power of the impacting connected set. Theweighted indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power may be aweighted ATAP or AggTAP, or ATAP-R based upon whether the indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power determined in block 770A isrespectively ATAP or AggTAP, or ATAP-R.

In block 770C, the impacted connected set(s) are ranked by weightedindicium of aggregate reduction in transmission power, from largest tosmallest or vice versa, and an anchor connected set is determined. Ananchor connected set means an impacted connected set having a largestweighted indicium of aggregate reduction in transmission power; if thereis more than one impacted connected set having the largest weightedindicium of aggregate reduction in transmission power, then one of themore than one impacted connected set having the largest weightedindicium of aggregate reduction in transmission power, is arbitrarily orrandomly selected as the anchor connected set.

In block 770D, for each impacting connected set, impacting color(s) aredetermined. Impacting color(s) means color(s) of each node comprised ofat least one top impacting GAA CBSD of an impacting connected set.

In block 770E, for each impacting connected set, frequency spectrum notpreviously assigned to a color of a node of the impacting connected setis determined. Such frequency spectrum is all or a portion of the nthsegment of frequency spectrum. Thus, any node comprising a CBSD with anassigned state will not have a frequency spectrum determined for its'color.

In block 770F, variable m is initialized, e.g., set variable m to anumber; the number is, e.g., an integer, for example, one. In block770G, whether m is greater than M is determined. If m is greater than M,then proceed to block 770J. M is set to the number of identifiedimpacting connected set(s). Therefore, blocks 770L to 770Q are appliedfor each identified impacting connected set.

If m is not greater than M, then, in block 770H, whether a frequencyspectrum portion is available in the nth segment for the mth impactingconnected set is determined. Some or all frequency spectrum portion mayhave already been assigned to color(s) of the mth impacting connectedset when determining color(s) of node(s) for previously analyzedprotection point(s), and hence are unavailable.

If a frequency spectrum portion is not available, then in block 770I,variable m is incremented, e.g., by an integer, for example, one, andreturn to block 770G. If a frequency spectrum portion is available,then, in block 770L, sets of frequency spectrum assigned to theimpacting color(s) are determined for each impacting connected set,where each impacting color is assigned a frequency spectrum portion ofequal bandwidth that is orthogonal to frequency spectrum portion(s)assigned to other impacting color(s) (if any), where the bandwidth offrequency spectrum portion assigned to each impacting color of animpacting connected set is equal to the frequency spectrum determined inblock 770E divided by the number of impacting colors of the impactingconnected set, and where the number of sets of frequency spectrum is afactorial of the number of impacting colors of an impacting connectedset. In block 770M, for each impacting connected set, whether abandwidth of each impacting color is less than a threshold bandwidth isdetermined. The threshold bandwidth may be defined by a system designerand/or system user. For each impacting connected set where all impactingcolors do not have a bandwidth less than the threshold bandwidth, thenproceed to block 770O.

For each impacting connected set where all impacting colors have abandwidth less than the threshold bandwidth, then, in block 770N, set(s)of possible orthogonal frequency spectrum(s) are determined, where thenumber of frequency set(s) is based upon a factorial of the number ofimpacting colors of the corresponding impacting connected set, whereeach frequency spectrum assignable to a color has equal bandwidth, andwhere bandwidth is expanded using bandwidth from at least one othersegment (other than the nth segment). The bandwidth expansion comprisesdetermining a probability distribution of the impacting color(s) of theimpacting connected set; the probability of each impacting color isdetermined by a ratio of a number of GAA CBSD(s) allocated to animpacting color with respect to a total number of GAA CBSD(s) comprisingnodes of the impacting connected set. The impacting color(s) with aprobability below a probability threshold are assigned frequencyspectrum in the at least one other segment. Thus, the set(s) offrequency spectrum(s) determined in block 770L become combinations orsets of possible orthogonal frequency spectrum(s). Then, proceed toblock 770O.

In block 770O, whether the mth impacting connected set is the anchorconnected set is determined. If the mth impacting connected set isdetermined to be the anchor connected set, then proceed to block 770Q.If the mth impacting connected set is determined not to be the anchorconnected set, then, in block 770P, the number of sets of possibleorthogonal frequency spectrum(s) is reduced. The reduction is achievedby arbitrarily, e.g., randomly, eliminate one or more sets, e.g., allbut 1 set of possible orthogonal frequency spectrum(s). Then, proceed toblock 770Q.

In block 770Q, the determined set(s) of frequency spectrum(s) areappended to a list of set(s) of frequency spectrum(s). Such determinedset(s) are determined in block 770L, and reduced in block 770P fordetermined set(s) for connected set(s) that are not anchor connectedset(s). The list may comprise set(s) from more than one impactingconnected set due to the appending. Note, the list may be empty if noset(s) of frequency spectrum(s) were previously appended to the list.Then, proceed to block 770I.

In block 770J, for each set in the list of set(s) of frequencyspectrum(s), each CBSD, comprising all node(s) (of the impactedconnected set) assigned an impacting color, is assigned a correspondingfrequency spectrum of that impacting color designated in the set. Forpurposes of clarity, each impacting color, and thus node(s) and GAACBSD(s) comprising each node, may be assigned different frequencyspectrum for each set of frequency spectrums. Each set comprises afrequency spectrum allocatable to each color assigned to each node ofthe impacting connected set. In block 770K, state of identified GAACBSD(s) is changed to an assigned state.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 880 forreducing a number of sets of possible orthogonal frequency spectrum(s),e.g., block 770P. In block 880A, an anchor ratio is determined. Theanchor ratio is a ratio of a number of GAA CBSD(s) in the anchorconnected set with respect to a number of GAA CBSD(s) in an impactingconnected set having a second highest indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmit power (following the indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmit power of the anchor connected set).

In block 880B, whether the anchor ratio is greater than a thresholdanchor ratio is determined. The threshold anchor ratio is determined bya system user and/or designer.

In block 880C, whether there are any dominant colors in the colorsassigned to nodes of the selected identified connected set isdetermined. A dominant color is an impacting color where a ratio—of anumber of GAA CBSD(s) comprising to node(s), of the selected identifiedconnected set, assigned the impacting color with respect to the totalnumber of CBSD(s) comprising nodes(s) of the selected identifiedconnected set—is greater than a threshold ratio. The threshold ratio maybe selected by a system designer and/or user.

In block 880D, a number of non-dominant colors is determined. The numberof non-dominant colors equals the total number of colors assigned tonodes of the selected, identified connected set less a number ofdominant colors.

In block 880E, a number of frequency spectrum portion(s) of the nthsegment is determined, where one frequency spectrum portion has abeginning or end frequency that is coincident with respectively abeginning or end frequency of the nth segment. If in block 770Nfrequency sets of possible orthogonal frequencies were determined withbandwidth expansion, then a number of frequency spectrum portion(s) ofthe expanded nth segment bandwidth where one frequency spectrum portionhas a beginning or end frequency that is coincident with respectively abeginning and/or end frequency of the expanded nth segment. In block880F, only set(s) of frequency spectrum utilizing frequency spectrum ofnon-dominant color(s) are retained.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 990 ofselecting one set of frequency spectrum(s) (that has an enhanced, e.g.,maximum, indicium of an aggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximumtransmit power allocated to each GAA CBSD authorized to transmits inshared spectrum), e.g., block 448B. In block 990A, set(s) of frequencyspectrum(s) are ranked based upon an indicium of power spectral density(PSD), e.g., a mean power spectral density or a median power spectraldensity, of GAA CBSD(s) geographically located within a neighborhood ofa selected identified protection point. The ranking may be from largestMPSD to smallest MPSD, or vice versa. Optionally, the median powerspectral density can be computed.

In block 990B, set(s) of frequency spectrum(s) are ranked based upon anindicium of power bandwidth product (PBP) or bandwidth (BW), e.g., meanor median power bandwidth product or bandwidth, of GAA CBSD(s)geographically located within a neighborhood of a selected identifiedprotection point. Power bandwidth product (or bandwidth-maximum transmitpower product) means a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power(in power spectral density) allocatable to each such GAA CBSD; bandwidthin this context means a bandwidth of frequency spectrum assigned to eachsuch GAA CBSD. The ranking of an indicium of PSB is in the same order(largest to smallest, or vice versa) as the ranking of an indicium ofPBP or BW. Blocks 990A and 990B only need to be performed if rankingsare used to determine an indicium of rank of each set of frequencyspectrum(s) as described elsewhere herein.

In block 990C, an indicium of rank of each set of frequency spectrum(s),in the set(s) of frequency spectrum(s) (ranked or not ranked by anindicium of PSD), and the set(s) of frequency spectrum(s) (ranked or notranked by an indicium of PSB), is determined. The indicium of rankingmay be the rank of each set of frequency spectrum(s) in ranked frequencyspectrum(s), a weighted value of an indicium of PSD or an indicium ofPBP or BW, or another type of indicium of ranking. When descending orderis used, the lowest order ranking has a largest value. When ascendingorder is used, the highest order ranking has the largest value. A weightof each set of frequency spectrum(s) in each set of rankings of indiciaof PSD or an indicium of PBP or BW is determined by (1) summingrespectively the indicia of PSD or the indicium of PBP or BW of each setof frequency spectrum(s), and (2) dividing the respective indicium ofPSD or the indicium of PBP or BW of each frequency set of frequencyspectrum(s) by the corresponding sum.

In block 990D, the indicium of rankings for each indicium of PSD andeach indicium of PBP or BW, of each frequency set of frequencyspectrum(s), are added or summed. A single set of set(s) of frequencyspectrum(s), where each set of frequency spectrum(s) has a determinedsummed indicium of rank, is created.

Optionally, in block 990E, the set(s) of frequency spectrum(s) areranked based upon the summed indicia of rankings. In block 990F, whetherthere is only one set of frequency spectrum(s) (in rankings) isdetermined. If there is only one determined set of frequencyspectrum(s), then, in block 990G, the one set of frequency spectrum(s)is selected as the frequency spectrum allocated to identified color(s)assigned to nodes of the selected identified connected set. If there ismore than one set of frequency spectrums, then in block 990H, two setsof frequency spectrums having the highest summed indicia of rankings areselected. In block 990I, one set, of the two sets of frequencyspectrum(s) (having a lowest dispersion, e.g., standard deviation, ofpower spectral densities (PSD) values, for each frequency spectrum ofthe set, around a MPSD value for the set) is determined and selected asthe frequency spectrum allocated to identified color(s) assigned tonodes of the selected identified connected set.

The processor circuitry described herein may include one or moremicroprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processing (DSP)elements, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and/or fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGAs). In this exemplary embodiment,processor circuitry includes or functions with software programs,firmware, or other computer readable instructions for carrying outvarious process tasks, calculations, and control functions, used in themethods described herein. These instructions are typically tangiblyembodied on any storage media (or computer readable medium) used forstorage of computer readable instructions or data structures.

The memory circuitry described herein can be implemented with anyavailable storage media (or computer readable medium) that can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or processor,or any programmable logic device. Suitable computer readable medium mayinclude storage or memory media such as semiconductor, magnetic, and/oroptical media. For example, computer readable media may includeconventional hard disks, Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), DVDs,volatile or non-volatile media such as Random Access Memory (RAM)(including, but not limited to, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)),Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM),and/or flash memory. Combinations of the above are also included withinthe scope of computer readable media.

Methods of the invention can be implemented in computer readableinstructions, such as program modules or applications, which may bestored in the computer readable medium that is part of (optionally thememory circuitry) or communicatively coupled to the processingcircuitry, and executed by the processing circuitry, optionally theprocessor circuitry. Generally, program modules or applications includeroutines, programs, objects, data components, data structures,algorithms, and the like, which perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types.

Databases as used herein may be either conventional databases or datastorage formats of any type, e.g., data files. Although separatedatabases are recited herein, one or more of such databases may becombined.

Exemplary Embodiments

Example 1 includes a method for efficiently enhancing a function of anindicium of an aggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmitpower spectral density allocated to each of at least one generalauthorized access (GAA) radio, the method comprising: receivingco-existence data about at least the one GAA radio; determining at leastone interference group, wherein an interference group means (a) eachnodeset comprising at least one node where each of the at least one nodecomprises at least one GAA radio geographically located in a joint area,or (b) a nodeset comprising at least one node, where each node of thenodeset comprises at least one GAA radio, and where none of GAA radiosof a node of the nodeset are geographically located in a joint area,wherein a joint area means a union of neighborhoods of one or moreprotection points, wherein at least one GAA radio, of at least one nodeof the nodeset, is geographically located in at least one neighborhoodof the union of neighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least twonodes, where each node of nodeset is within a first distance of at leastone other node of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequencyspectrum and a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identifying zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generating at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocating a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and sending the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.

Example 2 includes the method of Example 1, wherein determining the atleast one interference group is performed prior to identifying the zeroor more edges; wherein identifying the zero or more edges, generatingthe at least one network graph, and allocating the frequency spectrumand the maximum transmit power are performed in parallel for eachinterference group.

Example 3 includes the method of any of Examples 1-2, wherein theco-existence data further compromises data about at least one of: atleast one incumbent user and at least one geographic region to bemaintained interference free.

Example 4 includes the method of any of Examples 1-3, further comprisingidentifying zero or more protection points each of which has an indiciumof aggregate reduction of transmission power that exceeds a firstindicium threshold level, wherein a neighborhood of each identifiedprotection point encompasses a geographic location of at least one GAAradio, and wherein the neighborhood of each protection point means ageographic area centered around a corresponding protection point.

Example 5 includes the method of any of Examples 1-4, wherein allocatingthe frequency spectrum and the maximum transmit power comprises:identifying at least one protection point having an indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power above a first indiciumthreshold level; for each identified protection point, determining atleast one GAA radio having an indicium of a reduction of transmissionpower greater than a transmission power reduction threshold level, whereeach identified GAA radio comprises a node of a connected set; for atleast one identified protection point, obtaining a diminished number ofsets of at least one frequency spectrum for each connected set for thedetermined at least one GAA radio; for each obtained set of at least onefrequency spectrum, determining an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power for each node comprising the determined at least oneGAA radio; and for at least one identified protection point, selectingan obtained set that has an enhanced function of an indicium of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power of eachGAA radio authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum andgeographically located in a neighborhood of a protection point.

Example 6 includes the method of Example 5, wherein allocating thefrequency spectrum and the maximum transmit power further comprisesidentifying at least one protection point having an indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power above a second indiciumthreshold level.

Example 7 includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing aprogram causing at least one processor to execute a process, the processcomprising: receiving co-existence data about at least the one GAAradio; determining at least one interference group, wherein aninterference group means (a) each nodeset comprising at least one nodewhere each of the at least one node comprises at least one GAA radiogeographically located in a joint area, or (b) a nodeset comprising atleast one node, where each node of the nodeset comprises at least oneGAA radio, and where none of GAA radios of a node of the nodeset aregeographically located in a joint area, wherein a joint area means aunion of neighborhoods of one or more protection points, wherein atleast one GAA radio, of at least one node of the nodeset, isgeographically located in at least one neighborhood of the union ofneighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least two nodes, whereeach node of nodeset is within a first distance of at least one othernode of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequency spectrumand a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identifying zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generating at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocating a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and sending the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.

Example 8 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium ofExample 7, wherein determining the at least one interference group isperformed prior to identifying the zero or more edges; whereinidentifying the zero or more edges, generating the at least one networkgraph, and allocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmitpower are performed in parallel for each interference group.

Example 9 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of any ofExamples 7-8, wherein the co-existence data further compromises dataabout at least one of: at least one incumbent user and at least onegeographic region to be maintained interference free.

Example 10 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of anyof Examples 7-9, the process further comprising identifying zero or moreprotection points each of which has an indicium of aggregate reductionof transmission power that exceeds a first indicium threshold level,wherein a neighborhood of each identified protection point encompasses ageographic location of at least one GAA radio, and wherein theneighborhood of each protection point means a geographic area centeredaround a corresponding protection point.

Example 11 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium of anyof Examples 7-10, wherein allocating the frequency spectrum and themaximum transmit power comprises: identifying at least one protectionpoint having an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission powerabove a first indicium threshold level; for each identified protectionpoint, determining at least one GAA radio having an indicium of areduction of transmission power greater than a transmission powerreduction threshold level, where each identified GAA radio comprises anode of a connected set; for at least one identified protection point,obtaining a diminished number of sets of at least one frequency spectrumfor each connected set for the determined at least one GAA radio; foreach obtained set of at least one frequency spectrum, determining anindicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power for each nodecomprising the determined at least one GAA radio; and for at least oneidentified protection point, selecting an obtained set that has anenhanced function of an indicium of an aggregate of a product ofbandwidth and maximum transmit power of each GAA radio authorized totransmit in the shared spectrum and geographically located in aneighborhood of a protection point.

Example 12 includes the non-transitory computer readable medium ofExample 11, wherein allocating the frequency spectrum and the maximumtransmit power further comprises identifying at least one protectionpoint having an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission powerabove a second indicium threshold level.

Example 13 includes a system, comprising processing circuitry configuredto receive co-existence data about at least the one GAA radio; determineat least one interference group, wherein an interference group means (a)each nodeset comprising at least one node where each of the at least onenode comprises at least one GAA radio geographically located in a jointarea, or (b) a nodeset comprising at least one node, where each node ofthe nodeset comprises at least one GAA radio, and where none of GAAradios of a node of the nodeset are geographically located in a jointarea, wherein a joint area means a union of neighborhoods of one or moreprotection points, wherein at least one GAA radio, of at least one nodeof the nodeset, is geographically located in at least one neighborhoodof the union of neighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least twonodes, where each node of nodeset is within a first distance of at leastone other node of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequencyspectrum and a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identify zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generate at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocate a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and send the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.

Example 14 includes the system of Example 13, wherein determining the atleast one interference group is performed prior to identifying the zeroor more edges; wherein identifying the zero or more edges, generatingthe at least one network graph, and allocating the frequency spectrumand the maximum transmit power are performed in parallel for eachinterference group.

Example 15 includes the system of any of Examples 13-14, wherein theco-existence data further compromises data about at least one of: atleast one incumbent user and at least one geographic region to bemaintained interference free.

Example 16 includes the system of any of Examples 13-15, furthercomprising identifying zero or more protection points each of which hasan indicium of aggregate reduction of transmission power that exceeds afirst indicium threshold level, wherein a neighborhood of eachidentified protection point encompasses a geographic location of atleast one GAA radio, and wherein the neighborhood of each protectionpoint means a geographic area centered around a corresponding protectionpoint.

Example 17 includes the system of any of Examples 13-16, whereinallocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmit powercomprises: identify at least one protection point having an indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power above a first indiciumthreshold level; for each identified protection point, determine atleast one GAA radio having an indicium of a reduction of transmissionpower greater than a transmission power reduction threshold level, whereeach identified GAA radio comprises a node of a connected set; for atleast one identified protection point, obtain a diminished number ofsets of at least one frequency spectrum for each connected set for thedetermined at least one GAA radio; for each obtained set of at least onefrequency spectrum, determine an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power for each node comprising the determined at least oneGAA radio; and for at least one identified protection point, select anobtained set that has an enhanced function of an indicium of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power of eachGAA radio authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum andgeographically located in a neighborhood of a protection point.

Example 18 includes the system of Example 17, wherein allocating thefrequency spectrum and the maximum transmit power further comprisesidentify at least one protection point having an indicium of aggregatereduction of transmission power above a second indicium threshold level.

A number of embodiments of the invention defined by the following claimshave been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that variousmodifications to the described embodiments may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

1. A method for efficiently enhancing a function of an indicium of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power spectraldensity allocated to each of at least one general authorized access(GAA) radio, the method comprising: receiving co-existence data about atleast the one GAA radio; determining at least one interference group,wherein an interference group means (a) each nodeset comprising at leastone node where each of the at least one node comprises at least one GAAradio geographically located in a joint area, or (b) a nodesetcomprising at least one node, where each node of the nodeset comprisesat least one GAA radio, and where none of GAA radios of a node of thenodeset are geographically located in a joint area, wherein a joint areameans a union of neighborhoods of one or more protection points, whereinat least one GAA radio, of at least one node of the nodeset, isgeographically located in at least one neighborhood of the union ofneighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least two nodes, whereeach node of nodeset is within a first distance of at least one othernode of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequency spectrumand a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identifying zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generating at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocating a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and sending the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one interferencegroup is performed prior to identifying the zero or more edges; whereinidentifying the zero or more edges, generating the at least one networkgraph, and allocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmitpower are performed in parallel for each interference group.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the co-existence data further compromisesdata about at least one of: at least one incumbent user and at least onegeographic region to be maintained interference free.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising identifying zero or more protection pointseach of which has an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmissionpower that exceeds a first indicium threshold level, wherein aneighborhood of each identified protection point encompasses ageographic location of at least one GAA radio, and wherein theneighborhood of each protection point means a geographic area centeredaround a corresponding protection point.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein allocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmit powercomprises: identifying at least one protection point having an indiciumof aggregate reduction of transmission power above a first indiciumthreshold level; for each identified protection point, determining atleast one GAA radio having an indicium of a reduction of transmissionpower greater than a transmission power reduction threshold level, whereeach identified GAA radio comprises a node of a connected set; for atleast one identified protection point, obtaining a diminished number ofsets of at least one frequency spectrum for each connected set for thedetermined at least one GAA radio; for each obtained set of at least onefrequency spectrum, determining an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power for each node comprising the determined at least oneGAA radio; and for at least one identified protection point, selectingan obtained set that has an enhanced function of an indicium of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power of eachGAA radio authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum andgeographically located in a neighborhood of a protection point.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein allocating the frequency spectrum and themaximum transmit power further comprises identifying at least oneprotection point having an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power above a second indicium threshold level.
 7. Anon-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing atleast one processor to execute a process, the process comprising:receiving co-existence data about at least the one GAA radio;determining at least one interference group, wherein an interferencegroup means (a) each nodeset comprising at least one node where each ofthe at least one node comprises at least one GAA radio geographicallylocated in a joint area, or (b) a nodeset comprising at least one node,where each node of the nodeset comprises at least one GAA radio, andwhere none of GAA radios of a node of the nodeset are geographicallylocated in a joint area, wherein a joint area means a union ofneighborhoods of one or more protection points, wherein at least one GAAradio, of at least one node of the nodeset, is geographically located inat least one neighborhood of the union of neighborhoods, and wherein anodeset means at least two nodes, where each node of nodeset is within afirst distance of at least one other node of the nodeset; wherein atleast allocating a frequency spectrum and a maximum transmit power isperformed in parallel for each interference group; identifying zero ormore edges, wherein an edge is formed between two nodes, wherein an edgemeans that a criterion of interference at a GAA radio or a nodeconsisting of at least one GAA radio exceeds an edge interferencethreshold level; generating at least one network graph, wherein anetwork graph means at least one connected set where there are no pairsof nodes that are connected with an edge and have a same color, andwherein a connected set means a unique set of at least two nodes whereat least two of the at least two nodes have an edge, or a unique nodewith no edge to any other node, where each node of the at least twonodes having an edge are assigned different colors, and where a numberof colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is a minimum number ofcolors which can be assigned to each node of the connected set; at aplanned time, allocating a frequency spectrum and a maximum transmitpower, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAA radio so that GAAradios, and each protection point, are free of interference from each ofthe at least one GAA radio, wherein free of interference andinterference free means a level of interference below a threshold levelof interference; and sending the allocated frequency spectrum andmaximum transmit power to each authorized radio which is configured tohave a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, not exceeding acorresponding determined maximum transmit power.
 8. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 7, wherein determining the at leastone interference group is performed prior to identifying the zero ormore edges; wherein identifying the zero or more edges, generating theat least one network graph, and allocating the frequency spectrum andthe maximum transmit power are performed in parallel for eachinterference group.
 9. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 7, wherein the co-existence data further compromises data about atleast one of: at least one incumbent user and at least one geographicregion to be maintained interference free.
 10. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 7, the process further comprisingidentifying zero or more protection points each of which has an indiciumof aggregate reduction of transmission power that exceeds a firstindicium threshold level, wherein a neighborhood of each identifiedprotection point encompasses a geographic location of at least one GAAradio, and wherein the neighborhood of each protection point means ageographic area centered around a corresponding protection point. 11.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 7, whereinallocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmit powercomprises: identifying at least one protection point having an indiciumof aggregate reduction of transmission power above a first indiciumthreshold level; for each identified protection point, determining atleast one GAA radio having an indicium of a reduction of transmissionpower greater than a transmission power reduction threshold level, whereeach identified GAA radio comprises a node of a connected set; for atleast one identified protection point, obtaining a diminished number ofsets of at least one frequency spectrum for each connected set for thedetermined at least one GAA radio; for each obtained set of at least onefrequency spectrum, determining an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power for each node comprising the determined at least oneGAA radio; and for at least one identified protection point, selectingan obtained set that has an enhanced function of an indicium of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power of eachGAA radio authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum andgeographically located in a neighborhood of a protection point.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein allocatingthe frequency spectrum and the maximum transmit power further comprisesidentifying at least one protection point having an indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power above a second indiciumthreshold level.
 13. A system, comprising processing circuitryconfigured to receive co-existence data about at least the one GAAradio; determine at least one interference group, wherein aninterference group means (a) each nodeset comprising at least one nodewhere each of the at least one node comprises at least one GAA radiogeographically located in a joint area, or (b) a nodeset comprising atleast one node, where each node of the nodeset comprises at least oneGAA radio, and where none of GAA radios of a node of the nodeset aregeographically located in a joint area, wherein a joint area means aunion of neighborhoods of one or more protection points, wherein atleast one GAA radio, of at least one node of the nodeset, isgeographically located in at least one neighborhood of the union ofneighborhoods, and wherein a nodeset means at least two nodes, whereeach node of nodeset is within a first distance of at least one othernode of the nodeset; wherein at least allocating a frequency spectrumand a maximum transmit power is performed in parallel for eachinterference group; identify zero or more edges, wherein an edge isformed between two nodes, wherein an edge means that a criterion ofinterference at a GAA radio or a node consisting of at least one GAAradio exceeds an edge interference threshold level; generate at leastone network graph, wherein a network graph means at least one connectedset where there are no pairs of nodes that are connected with an edgeand have a same color, and wherein a connected set means a unique set ofat least two nodes where at least two of the at least two nodes have anedge, or a unique node with no edge to any other node, where each nodeof the at least two nodes having an edge are assigned different colors,and where a number of colors assigned to nodes of the connected set is aminimum number of colors which can be assigned to each node of theconnected set; at a planned time, allocate a frequency spectrum and amaximum transmit power, in shared spectrum, to each of at least one GAAradio so that GAA radios, and each protection point, are free ofinterference from each of the at least one GAA radio, wherein free ofinterference and interference free means a level of interference below athreshold level of interference; and send the allocated frequencyspectrum and maximum transmit power to each authorized radio which isconfigured to have a transmit power, in the shared spectrum, notexceeding a corresponding determined maximum transmit power.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein determining the at least one interferencegroup is performed prior to identifying the zero or more edges; whereinidentifying the zero or more edges, generating the at least one networkgraph, and allocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmitpower are performed in parallel for each interference group.
 15. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the co-existence data further compromisesdata about at least one of: at least one incumbent user and at least onegeographic region to be maintained interference free.
 16. The system ofclaim 13, further comprising identifying zero or more protection pointseach of which has an indicium of aggregate reduction of transmissionpower that exceeds a first indicium threshold level, wherein aneighborhood of each identified protection point encompasses ageographic location of at least one GAA radio, and wherein theneighborhood of each protection point means a geographic area centeredaround a corresponding protection point.
 17. The system of claim 13,wherein allocating the frequency spectrum and the maximum transmit powercomprises: identify at least one protection point having an indicium ofaggregate reduction of transmission power above a first indiciumthreshold level; for each identified protection point, determine atleast one GAA radio having an indicium of a reduction of transmissionpower greater than a transmission power reduction threshold level, whereeach identified GAA radio comprises a node of a connected set; for atleast one identified protection point, obtain a diminished number ofsets of at least one frequency spectrum for each connected set for thedetermined at least one GAA radio; for each obtained set of at least onefrequency spectrum, determine an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power for each node comprising the determined at least oneGAA radio; and for at least one identified protection point, select anobtained set that has an enhanced function of an indicium of anaggregate of a product of bandwidth and maximum transmit power of eachGAA radio authorized to transmit in the shared spectrum andgeographically located in a neighborhood of a protection point.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein allocating the frequency spectrum and themaximum transmit power further comprises identify at least oneprotection point having an indicium of aggregate reduction oftransmission power above a second indicium threshold level.